PAPAR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The new law drafted to replace the existing Electronic Commerce Act 2006 is set to enhance the regulation and accountability of platforms, sellers, and e-commerce users in the country.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the proposal to replace the existing act was made because the previous legislation only confirmed transactions without outlining legal responsibilities comprehensively.
He said that with the existing act, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), which is responsible for e-commerce, also does not have the authority or a comprehensive legal framework to regulate various aspects of e-commerce.
"This Electronic Commerce Act is merely a legal framework to validate online and electronic commerce, but the aspect of accountability is not clearly outlined in the legislation. KPDN submitted a Cabinet Memorandum at the Policy Level two months ago.
"We are currently working with the Attorney-General's Chambers, the Communications Ministry, MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission), and the Digital Ministry to prepare the drafting phase provisions. The new bill is scheduled to be presented at the upcoming parliamentary session," he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating the Program Sentuhan Kasih, Rahmah MADANI Sales and Safe Internet Campaign here today.
On Thursday (Aug 20), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported to have said that the government will expedite the drafting of the e-Commerce Bill to improve the facilitation and regulation aspects of the sector, in line with the rapid growth of digital business today.
Commenting on the Safe Internet Campaign, organised by the MCMC and the Ministry of Communications here today, Armizan described the campaign as very important due to the increase in various cybercrime threats.
He said that cyber threats now include cases of cyberbullying, financial fraud, love scams, and overseas job offer scams that ultimately force victims to become agents of the fraud syndicate.
"In addressing the issue, the government has drafted specific legislation, including the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) last year, as well as guidelines under Bank Negara Malaysia," he said.
He also emphasised that the most important aspect is the user's own responsibility through advocacy awareness and the courage to make quick reports to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC).
"Immediate reporting to the NSRC allows government agencies to take swift action to save the finances of the affected victims," he added.
-- BERNAMA